Discussing Bridgestone’s New T31 Sport-Touring Tires With The Guys Who Know Them Best

Tires aren't terribly interesting to most of us, but we recently had the chance to speak with two guys who live and breathe motorcycle rubber, and their enthusiasm rubbed off on us. Kevin Hunley, senior manager of motorcycle products for Bridgestone Americas, and Keith Willcome, project engineer for Bridgestone Americas, are steeped in info about Bridgestone's new T31 sport-touring tires. These buns supplant the T30 Evos and bring new features and benefits (and sizes) to the category. For specific info on the T31s and new A41 adventure tires, take a look at this story. For some insight into how the T31s were developed, who they're suitable for, and why they're being offered in a whopping 22 sizes, check out the Q&A below.

It seems like American riders shy away from sport-touring rubber because they don't think it'll be sticky enough for their literbikes or other powerful rides. Who should consider ST rubber, and the new T31 in particular?
Modern sport-touring tires have plenty of traction. Shoot, there are track schools that run our ST tires because they grip so well and last so long. The T31 is a good fit for anybody who's after extended mileage while still maintaining sporty ride qualities. We think the T31 is ideal for a wide range of bikes and riding styles—that's why we're offering it in sizes that cover everything from small naked bikes to full-on tourers like BMW's K1600. It's really a versatile tire that's appropriate for any road-riding scenario. —Kevin Hunley

We often see spider-web charts depicting areas where a new tire has been enhanced, or we hear statistics regarding improved performance. How and where does Bridgestone test tires to come up with that info?
We conduct a lot of closed-course and indoor testing. Road testing, obviously, but we also have test circuits in Italy and Japan. In terms of indoor testing, Bridgestone has a technology called "Ultimate Eye" that allows us to analyze the contact patch at speed and load, so we can actually see what the tire is doing where it meets the road. Ultimate Eye uses a drum outfitted with sensors, and it's capable of speeds up to 248 mph and lean angles as high as 60 degrees. Bridgestone initially developed the technology for Formula 1 and MotoGP tires, but it's now being used to test and develop street tires. —Keith Willcome

The new T31 comes in five GT sizes. What's that all about, and what bikes are the GT sizes intended for? The GT sizes are intended for bigger, heavier sport-touring bikes like the K1600. The construction is beefed up to handle those bike's extra weight and power. Think about it: An FJR1300 runs a 180/55 rear tire, but so does a CBR600RR, yet there's a 200-pound difference between those two bikes. The GT sizes are built to accommodate those larger bikes. —Kevin Hunley

What's the new T31's claim to fame, and why should riders care?
We put a lot of effort into getting the tires to offer better feedback. More feedback means more confidence, and that makes riding more enjoyable. Specifically, we worked to make the tires better in the cold and wet. —Keith Willcome

Not sure what category of tires is the right fit for you and your bike? Check out the Tire Categories Explained MC Garage video.

What kind of mileage can riders expect out of a set of T31s?
That's a tough question because there are so many factors. It's going to vary based on bike, terrain, riding style, and air pressure. Honestly, air pressure is the biggest one. We designed the T31s to have the same longevity as the T30s, which, generally speaking, is between 5,000 and 10,000 miles per set. —Keith Willcome